Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, is showcasing its time-honored brands and emerging enterprises at the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE). The expo is being held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from Nov 5 to 10.

At the Shandong Pavilion, the city is presenting a diverse range of local specialties, cultural creative products, and health and wellness products, highlighting its unique charm.

The city's exhibits include tender Bazirou pork by Chaoyixing Fast Food, delicacies from the renowned deli brand Luweizhai, and traditional foods such as Yefengsu pancakes and sorghum candy. Live demonstrations of fat-free pork trotter rice give visitors a taste of Jinan's signature cuisine.

Jinan is also displaying cultural and creative products that reflect its rich heritage, along with health and wellness offerings such as ejiao (a traditional Chinese medicine made from boiled donkey hide), tea-based drinks, and cosmetic brands including Rellet and Dr. Alva.

This year's Shandong Pavilion focuses on time-honored brands and high-quality export products. Its design, inspired by the "Qilu No 1" tourism train, brings together displays in six themed exhibition areas.

On the opening day, Qilu Pharmaceutical Group signed a 42-million-dollar agreement with Singapore's Wilmar International, a leading agribusiness group in Asia, marking the first purchase order secured by the Shandong delegation at this year's expo. A total of 596 companies from Jinan are participating in the event, seeking to expand cooperation.

As the world's first national-level expo dedicated to imports, the CIIE serves as a gateway for global businesses to access the Chinese market and a bridge connecting China with the world. This year's edition has drawn participants from 155 countries, regions, and international organizations, featuring more than 4,100 overseas enterprises.

Chefs prepare beef pancakes, attracting many visitors. [Photo/The New Times]

The Shandong Pavilion, inspired by "Qilu No 1" tourism train, features six exhibitions areas. [Photo/The New Times]